Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck has put her name forward for the Auckland mayoralty as an independent candidate.
She says right now is an important time for the city and the right choices need to be made to get the best out of it in the years ahead.
"There are many great things about our city. However, the reality is that we have crippling congestion, we have people stuck in a housing emergency and our streets are less safe. At the same time, Auckland has borne the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic with many of our small businesses and communities struggling to survive," Beck says.
"Now, more than ever, Auckland needs a mayor with the passion, determination and skills to get things done. To be Auckland's greatest champion, to tackle our biggest challenges while making sure we spend wisely as we invest in the future of Auckland."
Beck says Aucklanders "deserve better" and can't just accept that things are "as good as they get".
"[Aucklanders] deserve more say in decisions that affect them, transport that meets their needs, affordable housing and safe streets. They need to see that their rates are delivering value in their community," she says.
"That's why I'm standing for mayor - Auckland needs someone with local and central government experience, business understanding, and someone who can work constructively with people to get the best results for Aucklanders.
"I will work across the many diverse communities in Auckland to earn their trust and confidence to do just that."
Beck has been chief executive of Heart of the City - Auckland city centre's business association - since 2015. She also currently holds a governance role at Mackelvie Trust and has previously been a chairperson at the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board.
